Blackpool-based cylinder specialist Gledhill has celebrated some of the stars of its staff retention record by handing out long-service awards to six members of the team that have clocked up a combined 165 years with the family-run firm.

Technical support operative Alan Fazakerley has spent the longest period of time with the Squires Gate company, and has been given an engraved tankard to celebrate his 40 years, adding to the gold watch he received for 25 years’ service.

Alan joined as a production worker after leaving the merchant navy at the age of 21.

He worked his way up in the company, spending a period as manager of Gledhill’s Maidstone depot in Kent in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

He was also instrumental in training the next generation of production operatives at Gledhill’s Blackpool factory, before moving to his current technical support role, which leverages his 40 years’ experience across the company to advise customers. He said: “I didn’t expect to stay for 40 years when I joined the company, but it has always been a great place to work that stays true to its family-run approach and listens to staff, providing genuine opportunities for career development.

“In theory, I could retire now but I love working here and it’s clear that the company still values my skills and knowledge so I can’t envisage leaving any time soon.” Alan was joined at the internal awards ceremony by five of his colleagues, each of whom have worked for Gledhill for 25 Years.

Long-service awards were handed out to Wayne Sanderson and Phil Neild from Gledhill’s stainless steel manufacturing department, Pauline Miller from Gledhill Spares, and Neil Heed and Craig Dixon from the company’s technical support department. They were presented by Gledhill’s CEO, Tricia Holland, who is granddaughter to one of the original founders, Norman Gledhill.

She said: “The business has grown considerably since these members of the team first joined the company but we have never outgrown our family values. We’re delighted to congratulate Alan, Wayne, Phil, Pauline, Neil and Craig on their achievements.”